A powerful ocean swell has resulted in a fatality in Santa Cruz, marking the second death in California this week amid hazardous marine conditions that are expected to persist.
Authorities confirmed that one woman was swept out to sea and later died, while another remains in critical condition. The deceased, whose identity has not yet been released, is the second victim in the state linked to the potent south swell generated by tropical storms in the Pacific Ocean. Earlier this week, the body of 5-year-old Amada Mia Brown of San Bernardino was recovered in Laguna Beach, two days after she disappeared in high surf.
The incident in Santa Cruz occurred near Yellow Bank Beach when rescue swimmers from the Santa Cruz County Fire Department pulled two women, believed to be in their 20s, from the ocean. According to the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office, crews suspect the women were sleeping and were caught off guard by the rapidly rising tide. One woman was airlifted from the beach to the bluffs, while the second was transported via a Stokes basket. Both were hospitalized, where one was pronounced dead and the other was reported in critical condition.
The current swell has produced significant wave activity across the California coastline, with Newport Beach experiencing historic 20-foot waves at the Wedge, leading to over 100 lifeguard rescues. A beach hazard statement remains in effect for Southern California through Monday evening, warning of dangerous rip currents and elevated surf of 3 to 6 feet, according to the National Weather Service. The service also forecasts minor coastal flooding in low-lying areas due to high astronomical tides.
Lifeguards are urging extreme caution for beachgoers, noting that even experienced surfers have faced dangerous situations. Hunter Jones narrowly avoided a collision with the Malibu Pier after being dislodged from a large wave, and surfboard shaper Timmy Patterson recounted a near-death experience in 20-foot waves off Dana Point. National Weather Service Meteorologist Carol Ciliberti indicated that this powerful south swell may be indicative of a more active Pacific hurricane season, influenced by the upcoming El Niño cycle, which could bring further large surf to California throughout the summer.
